Jimmy Sutman here!
If you don’t know me, I am the Director of Daily Operations for Golden String Inc. and a DJ for goldenstringradio.org. I am writing to ask you for help. Not necessarily for me, but for our friends with disabilities. Here’s my story: We are blessed to know a family from Liberty with the last name of Thomas. We met the whole Thomas family through their son Andrew. Andrew unfortunately passed away a few years ago, but not before he touched my life and the lives of many of his peers quite deeply. Andrew was born with multiple special needs, however, he maintained a positive attitude and lived a life of high quality. Of course, he has a wonderful support system created and fostered by his parents, Richard and Mary Thomas. The Thomases always ensured a rich quality of life for Andrew. They love to travel and included Andrew in their travels. In honor of Andrew, the Thomases instituted the Golden String “Andrew Thomas Fund”. This fund provides vacation and community integration support in the form of direct care staffing and monetary donations to adults with disabilities. This fund has already helped dozens of adults with disabilities enjoy vacations to Dallas, Las Vegas, Virginia Beach and Orlando and camping trips to West Virginia and Hocking Hills. Admission costs to various amusement parks have also been covered by the Andrew Thomas Fund.
The Thomas family has been generous enough to support this fund annually but as our numbers grow, we’re asking for those who have a little extra money this holiday season to consider contributing to the Andrew Thomas Fund. As the calendar year comes to an end, please remember that Golden String Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization and all donations are tax deductible. I appreciate and am thankful for you. Please remember this holiday season that “Givin’ Is Livin'”. Our adults with special needs thank you!
Advocate for adults with special needs, Jean Vanier, believes that “our collective failure to see in the beauty of the disabled an invitation to human growth rather than an embarrassment cries out for our correction, a correction that is best effected by living in community. We need the disabled more than they need us, their weakness is our strength.”
If you would like to make a donation to the Andrew Thomas Fund please mail a check to: Golden String 16 S. Phelps St. Youngstown OH, 44503 (memo: Andrew Thomas Fund)
May God bless you!
